Talarico attacks Paxton for skipping scheduled Senate debates in new ad

James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the Texas Senate seat, aired a new commercial that portrays Ken Paxton as shirking three scheduled debates on Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Oct. 13. The spot shows a reporter’s question about Paxton’s participation being ignored as he walks away, and Talarico blames “billionaire handlers” for the avoidance. It reminds viewers that Paxton has not taken part in a debate since his 2023 impeachment and a securities-fraud indictment that was later dismissed.

Talarico says he is ready for the debates, while Paxton’s camp claims details are still being worked out. The ad also points to a fundraising disparity, with Paxton holding about $1.7 million compared with Talarico’s $21 million-plus, and mentions calls for Donald Trump to aid Paxton financially.